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Hallowe’en

"Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn’t take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I’ve become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!"

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (The Message)

All Hallow’s Eve — 31 October

It’s that time of year. The cool inviting weather of Autumn beckons us to jump in piles of fallen leaves and to notice the changing colors. It’s the season of fall festivals, carnivals, candy, pumpkins and gourds, costume parites, jack-o-lantern carving, salted oven roasted pumpkin seeds, candcorns, and trick or treating (or trunk or treating, as the case may be).

As Christians, we have the opportunity to approach Hallowe’en with radical hospitality and extravagant generosity. Countless people may be coming to your home to receive candy (or whatever you happen to give out). Hallowe’en is a moment in time when neighbors are willingly coming to your home. Approach them with light and unconditional love. Your candy should be awesome! Kids should want to come to your yard and your home, because there they feel acceptance, love, and hospitality. Warmth should exude from your welcome. In you, they may receive a glimpse of God’s love. So, turn on your lights, light your jack-o-lanterns, greet each person warmly. Smile. Authentically smile and be thankful that these families have come to your door. See each one as a child of God. Remember all those people in your life who have showed you the love of God, who have embodied Christ to you. Remember the saints in your life and then reflect that lovingkindness to the neighborhood.

As Christians, we are called to meet people where they are and shower them with the unconditional love and grace of God. Don’t miss out on that opportunity!